Man Accused Of Making Online Sexual Comments To Teen From Church

LARGO, FL -- A 33-year-old man has been arrested after being accused of sending sexually inappropriate Instagram messages to a 16-year-old girl who attends his church.

Largo Police arrested Charles Joseph Penalosa Thursday and charged him with transmission of material harmful to a minor, use of a computer to seduce, soliciting or enticing a child and unlawful use of a two-way communication device.

According to police, the teen had been receiving Instagram messages from Penalosa who attended the same church, Abundant Life Ministries at 1550 S. Belcher Road, Largo.

Police said Penalosa made statements online regarding his attraction to the teen and made inappropriate comments.

Penalosa admitted that he had online interactions with the teen as well as another victim.

Anyone with information related to the case is asked to contact Detective Lance Moore at the Largo Police Department at 727-587-6730